Havili to lead Crusaders against Highlanders
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Crusaders will play their final pre-season fixture this Friday in Wanaka, when they take on the Highlanders in the annual Farmlands Cup fixture between the two sides.
Head coach Scott Robertson has named David Havili as captain for this match, supported by vice-captains Whetukamokamo Douglas and Mitchell Drummond.
Flank Billy Harmon injured his knee in Saturday’s win over the Hurricanes, which means Tom Christie joins the starting team this week. Bryn Hall and Quinten Strange are also set to join Captain David Havili, in making their first appearance of 2020 on Friday.
“As coaches, we were really pleased with what we saw in Ashburton, particularly from some of our young players who certainly put their hand up,” Robertson said.
“We’re proud of them for taking their opportunity and it’s given us something to think about ahead of round one next week. The pre-season is a chance to test some of our combinations and structures, and we’ll do more of the same this Friday night. We’re looking forward to heading to Wanaka for another tough Farmlands Cup encounter.”
Crusaders: 15 David Havili (captain), 14 Will Jordan, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Isi Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Cullen Grace, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Manasa Mataele, 24 Harry Allan, 25 Luke Romano, 26 Fetuli Paea.
Date: Friday, January 24
Venue: Wanaka A&P Showgrounds, Wanaka
Kick-off: 18.00 (05.00 GMT)
